Man Charged in Undercover Child Solicitation Investigation in Carver County
Published: April 18th 2026
CARVER COUNTY MN: A 61-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges in Carver County following an undercover child solicitation investigation, according to a criminal complaint filed against Joseph Alan Plante. The complaint also states that Plante reported working timekeeping for wrestling events associated with the Minnesota State High School League.
According to the criminal complaint, the charges include multiple counts of engaging in electronic communication relating to or describing sexual conduct with a child and soliciting a child or someone believed to be a child to engage in sexual conduct, all felonies under Minnesota law. Each count carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
The complaint states that in November 2025, a Carver County Sheriff’s detective conducted an undercover child solicitation operation using social media and chat-based applications. An undercover profile depicting a young-looking female was created as part of the operation.
On November 17, 2025, the undercover profile was contacted on the Whisper Secrets application by an individual later identified as Plante. According to the complaint, Plante asked if the individual was in college, and after being told she was 15 years old, requested a photo and asked what grade she was in. The undercover profile later stated she was 14 years old.
The complaint alleges that communications continued over several months, forming the basis for multiple charges tied to dates between November 2025 and March 2026.
On April 16, 2026, Plante arranged to meet the individual in Chanhassen, according to the complaint. When he arrived at the agreed location, he was taken into custody. Investigators sent a confirmation message to the phone used in the communications, which was received on Plante’s phone.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, the complaint states Plante admitted he believed the individual was 15 years old and that he had gone to the meeting location with sexual intent.
Investigators also reported that a photograph found in Plante’s vehicle showed him with a young female. He identified the female as a wrestling manager for a local high school and stated he worked timekeeping for wrestling events.
Plante faces multiple felony counts stemming from the alleged communications and solicitation.
Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.